Northwest School of the Arts

Academics

Explore the curriculum, programs, and academic support available to students at Northwest School of the Arts.

Students receive a rigorous education that merges a strong core curriculum with immersive, arts-rich experiences. While building a solid academic foundation, students experience arts programs that foster creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. The school’s emphasis on fine arts, visual arts, and performing arts is enhanced by unique projects—such as Wednesday activities where science lessons explore the mechanics behind dance techniques. In addition, a comprehensive social-emotional learning program, which includes pet-assisted therapy, builds emotional intelligence and supports students’ overall wellbeing.

Powered by AMP/edu

Our school is powered by the AMP/edu ecosystem — a unified, modern learning platform that strengthens classroom instruction and enhances every student's learning experience. AMP brings together curriculum, tools, and resources in one cohesive system, helping teachers deliver engaging, consistent instruction and giving students confidence with a well-supported, high-quality education.

Core Subjects & Electives

Northwest students are instructed in four core subject areas, English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Electives: Arts Survey, Music, Physical Education, Art Major, Creative Writing, Digital Arts, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Performing Arts (Band, Dance, Piano, Theatre, Vocal), Opportunity to Earn College Credit, Visual Arts (Drawing, Painting), Website Design. Electives at Northwest School of the Arts offer students abundant opportunities to explore their interests beyond the core curriculum, deepening both technical skills and creative expression.

English Language Arts

Our ELA program supports students as they develop reading, writing, and communication skills at every grade level. Daily self-reflective writing prompts help students strengthen their writing fluency and build self-awareness. From learning phonics and grammar to analyzing more complex texts, students grow into thoughtful readers and confident communicators.

Math

Students gain a solid foundation in mathematical concepts while practicing real-world problem-solving. Our math instruction combines direct teaching with opportunities for hands-on practice and collaborative learning. Students build confidence as they master essential skills and begin thinking critically about how math applies to their daily lives.

Science

Science instruction encourages students to ask questions, investigate ideas, and explore the world around them. Through engaging lessons and hands-on experiments, students build knowledge in life, physical, and Earth sciences. Our growth mindset approach supports curiosity and perseverance as students develop scientific thinking.

Social Studies

Students explore history, geography, government, and culture to better understand their communities and the wider world. Lessons build critical thinking, civic awareness, and real-world connections. Through engaging topics and thoughtful discussions, students develop curiosity about the world and their role in it.

Performing Arts & Music

Students learn both theoretical and practical aspects of music, dance, and theater. They explore different genres and instruments, developing an appreciation for musical artistry and performance.

Physical Education

The Physical Education course engages students in activities that enhance fitness, coordination, and teamwork. It encourages the development of healthy habits and personal discipline through structured, active play.

Creative Writing

In this elective, students develop their voice as writers by exploring multiple literary forms. They learn to craft narratives and express complex ideas through structured creative exercises.

Arts

Digital Arts engage in hands-on projects that blend technology with artistic expression. Visual Arts explore drawing and painting.

Design

Fashion design, web design, and graphic design.

ACCEL Instructional Model

Our school is built on a strong foundation of high expectations for academic achievement for all students and is accredited by Cognia™ for meeting the highest standards of education in ongoing third-party review. We implement the ACCEL Instructional Model (AIM) which focuses on four key components to achieve strong academic results:

Individualized Instruction

Students participate in a variety of learning activities each day that individualize instruction for each subject area. Students receive whole class instruction, small group instruction, and individual instruction with teachers, technology and other curricular tools. Each classroom has a Smartboard, classroom iPads, and 1:1 Chromebook access for students.

Properly Certified & Licensed Teachers

Our teachers meet the requirements set forth by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA): Bachelor’s degree, grade-level teaching license/certificate & ability to demonstrate subject area expertise. Our teachers are supported by trainers and participate in continuous, research-based professional development. Our teachers are accountable for student learning and rewarded for high quality performance.

More Time on Task

Our students receive double the instruction in ELA and Math to provide a strong foundation for all learning. Beginning with full-day Kindergarten, our school also follows a longer school day and school year than many other schools. In fact, we provide over 10% more instructional hours per school year than the Ohio Department of Education requires.

Data-Driven Instruction

Student knowledge of academic standards is assessed formally and informally in short cycles by each teacher. Our teachers adjust class-level and individual instruction based on student performance in these frequent intervals.

From our school

Child Find

Student's hands moving beads on an abacus.

Northwest School of the Arts serves a diverse population of students and we work to support the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of all students.

Jessica Garton

Director of Special Education & Child Find Contact

jgarton@accelschools.com

(216) 226-6800